A dramatic revolution is unfolding in the field of sarees.

The saree, a timeless symbol of Indian heritage and versatility, no longer demands the patience to carefully wrap it around the wearer’s body, making precise pleats and tucking the pallu completely before letting it out. Keep in mind, this is in India, a country where saree-draping styles vary with every region.

Enter pre-draped sarees, or pre-stitched sarees – an innovative apparel offering that aims to eliminate the ‘hassles’ of sourcing and wearing traditional apparel. From the local tailor shop nearby to the top designer stores across the country, pre-draped sarees are making their strong presence felt in the vast fashion landscape of India and emerging as a niche apparel category.

Practicality meets pleats

As the name suggests, pre-draped sarees are pre-pleated and ready to wear. You simply wear it like a skirt, throw the pallu over your shoulder, and you are ready to go! Youngsters – Gen Z and Millennials – are especially attracted to these sarees that look festive and feel comfortable to wear without requiring meticulous craft.

The range of pre-draped sarees is as diverse as the versatility of this traditional attire. From elaborate bridal designs to minimalistic chiffon sarees and bold, experimental numbers that exude drama, the options cater to every taste and occasion. So the price range also changes.

On online platforms like Myntra and Amazon, one can easily buy pre-draped sarees for less than Rs 2,000. Top designers like Amit Agarwal, Tarun Tahiliani, Jayanti Reddy, Anita Dongre and others are also taking advantage of the growing demand for pre-stitched sarees.

The rise of pre-draped sarees can be attributed to their practicality. Delhi-based fashion designer Nitika Gujral, who has been in the industry for four decades, says young urban dwellers are at the forefront of this trend.

“Young women today lead fast-paced lives and often lack the time or experience to master the art of wearing a traditional saree. “Pre-draped sarees eliminate the need for assistance or visits to parlors for draping, providing both convenience and style in a single piece,” says Sahib Bhatia, creative director and co-founder of Amare Label.

Rahul Khanna of Delhi-based designer label Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna echoes this sentiment, saying that today’s women prioritize functionality without compromising on style.

“Modern lifestyle demands quick and effortless fashion. I think the modern Indian woman is looking to buy stylish, functional and versatile clothes. “Pre-draped sarees tick all these boxes, offering the elegance of traditional wear with the ease of contemporary fabrics,” says Khanna.

A nationwide trend?

For working professionals and urban dwellers, pre-draped sarees have become indispensable. According to Suta, Tanya and Sujata Biswas, founders of the saree label, the demand for ready-to-wear sarees is growing at 8-10% annually, especially among busy millennials and Gen Z.

“Major demand comes from tier 1 cities, with growing interest from tier 2 and 3 cities. This category is growing at a CAGR of 8-10%. The growing demand is not only from women who do not know how to wear sarees, but also from working women looking for convenience and time efficiency,” explain founders Tanya and Sujata Biswas.

Suta has embraced this trend by introducing a unique feature on its website, allowing customers to choose any saree and opt for ready-to-wear customization for an additional fee. The saree is made to suit the customer’s specific measurements, ensuring a perfect fit.

This option is now easily available at local boutiques too.

“Many working women now prefer to keep their sarees ready to wear. Although she loves sarees, she often finds it difficult to wear them properly and time constraints add to her challenge. As a result, they request pre-pleated sarees, which are not only easy to wear but also comfortable to carry,” shares Manisha Sharma, owner of an apparel boutique in West Delhi.

“Even elderly women, who may find sarees difficult to manage, increasingly opt for pre-draped versions, especially for festivals or weddings with heavy or embellished drapes. These ready-to- Wear alterations can now be done by any local tailor at a cost of Rs 700-1,000,” says Sharma.

generational change

But is wearing a saree really a challenging or time-consuming task? Ask any saree fan, and they’ll tell you it’s a one-minute job. They will also proudly claim that they can run, work out, jump and live in a saree with ease – something that millennials and Boomers may find difficult to relate to.

The shift from daily wearing of sarees to occasional use has affected the draping skills.

Nitika Gujral says, “The younger generations have not grown up wearing sarees as daily wear or school uniform. “Most youth have not learned how to wear them and depend on older generations for help.”

“I believe that this generational change has definitely influenced the habit of wearing sarees. As lifestyles have evolved, daily wear has moved towards western or fusion wear, leaving the saree primarily for festivals. This low performance, combined with the complexity of traditional draping, has created a natural gap. So, I think with pre-draped sarees, we as designers are introducing the younger generation to the beauty of sarees in a way that feels relevant and accessible,” says Rahul Khanna.

So, is India losing the art of wearing saree?

According to fashion professionals, the trend of pre-draped sarees is on the rise. In the homeland of this iconic garment, the saree will remain a symbol of enduring grace.

Despite their growing popularity, pre-draped sarees are not replacing traditional curtains. Instead, they coexist, offering a range of options for diverse lifestyles. “Traditional curtains remain cultural icons in places like South India and Bengal,” says Suneet Verma.

Nitika Gujral agrees and says that states like Gujarat and Rajasthan as well as families in southern, eastern and central India are still bastions of the traditional saree with its distinctive weave.

Furthermore, industry professionals believe that pre-draped sarees act as an entry point for those new to wearing sarees. “Over time, they often transition to traditional draping styles. “The big trend is the collective desire to bring sarees back into everyday life,” say the founders of Suta. Sarabjit Saluja, founder of ethnic wear label Saundh, agrees.

“India is not forgetting the art of wearing saree; Instead, it is evolving how the saree is experienced. Pre-draped sarees meet specific requirements – ease, movement and modern aesthetics – while continuing the timeless charm of wearing a saree for weddings, festivals and everyday wear,” says Saluja.

What about timelessness?

Celebrity drape artist Dolly Jain, who hates the idea of ​​pre-draped sarees, is adamant that India will never forget the art of draping sarees.

“I can’t wrap my head around this concept [of pre-draped sarees]I believe in showing people the countless ways to wear a saree and celebrating its versatility. Also, saree is a treasure that we can preserve for generations. Imagine you’re trying to fit a pre-stitched saree from a zero-figure generation on someone who may be a little more voluptuous in the future! What if you add a few pounds or lose a few? Then there’s a beautiful piece of clothing hanging sadly in your closet,” comments Jain.

“The saree has been around for over 5,000 years and remains as popular and iconic as ever. It is the only garment that has retained its shape and size over the centuries and we should be incredibly proud of it,” she adds.

Pre-draped sarees may offer convenience and attractiveness in six yards of drape, but the timelessness of the traditional saree remains unmatched.